Fiat 500X crossover coming next year

Fiat intends to begin production of a crossover version of its 500 minicar in December 2013, in line with a 1-billion-euro expansion of the capacity of its Mirafiori facility in Turin to assemble 280,000 small crossovers annually. Company sources disclosed to Automotive News Europe that this model is dubbed 500X, with the X standing for cross.

This variant will replace the Sedici in the company's range. It will feature hatchback and SUV styling, just like the Sedici. The 500X will be the fifth model in the 500 lineup. Other models in this range are the three-door 500 hatchback, the 500C convertible, the 500L high-roof, four-door hatchback and the Abarth performance variant.

The 500X has a length of around 4,200mm, making it the longest model in the 500 lineup. Just like the 500L, the 500x will utilize a broadened variant of the automaker's small automobile architecture that highlights the Punto subcompact.

The 500L will be the first version of the present 500 lineup to be built in Italy. Specifically, it will be manufactured in Mirafiori, Turin. For the Sedici, it will be assembled together with its sibling model Suzuki SX4 at the Hungarian factory of the Japanese carmaker. The three-door 500 is manufactured in Poland for European markets. Chrysler is building this model in Mexico for China and AmericaThe 500X will be assembled alongside a new Jeep small SUV, which is dubbed B-SUV.

Production for this Jeep model will begin in the second quarter of 2014. It will be smaller compared to the Jeep Compass and Patriot. This B-SUV will be available for sale in Europe, the United States and other markets.

The 500X will come in front and all-wheel-drive versions. The Jeep sister model will also be offered with a trail-rated variant, which is essential for the U.S. market. For Europe, the 500X and the B-SUV will be fitted with Fiat's 1.4-liter, four-cylinder and 900cc, two-cylinder gasoline engines. They will also be offered with the latest evolution of the automaker's 1.3-liter diesel, called MultiJet II.